Discover the best Santa experiences across Staffordshire this Christmas, from cosy grottos to magical adventures that the whole family will love.
Christmas in Staffordshire is filled with festive magic, and nothing captures the season quite like meeting the big man himself, Father Christmas. From enchanting grottos to full festive days out, there are plenty of experiences to choose from. With many events selling out quickly, it’s best to book early.
This guide is updated regularly as new dates and details are released.
And for even more Christmas magic this festive season, check out our guides to Christmas Light Trails in Staffordshire and Christmas Markets in Staffordshire.
Your guide to the best Christmas events in Staffordshire this coming festive season, from light trails and markets to steam trains and pantomimes.
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1. Hanley Market
Dates, times: TBC
Prices: Free (includes free gift and free face painting)
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Visit Hanley Market this Christmas to meet Santa in his grotto. Children will receive a free gift, enjoy free face painting, and can join in with festive fun including a Christmas Duck Hunt and a ‘guess the number of Christmas ducks’ competition.
2. Garners Garden Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Dates, times: Weekends (dates TBC)
Prices: TBC
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Garners Garden Centre has welcomed Santa every weekend over the festive period. Dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed. No need to book, just turn up!
3. Fletcher’s Family Garden Centre, Eccleshall
Dates, times: Weekends (dates TBC)
Prices: TBC
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Santa Claus is coming to Fletcher’s every weekend over Christmas. To book, call the garden centre directly on 01785 851057.
4. Alton Towers Santa Sleepover
Dates, times: 28–30 November; 5–7, 12–24 December 2025
Prices: From £91 per person
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Escape to Alton Towers for a magical Santa Sleepover. Stay in the resort’s themed hotels, meet Santa in his grotto, and enjoy festive entertainment including a Christmas pantomime. Packages include theme park entry with CBeebies Land, evening dining, overnight accommodation, breakfast, entry to the Waterpark, and a round of Extraordinary Golf. With so much included, it’s a magical Christmas break for the whole family.
5. Biddulph Grange Garden
Dates, times: TBC
Prices: TBC
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A festive favourite in the beautiful setting of Biddulph Grange Garden. Booking is required via the National Trust website.
6. Drayton Manor Theme Park
Dates, times: Selected dates 22 November – 31 December 2025
Prices: From £20 per person
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Enjoy your favourite rides in Thomas Land, stroll through the zoo, and step into a winter wonderland. Visit the Enchanted Santa’s Grotto to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. New for 2025: explore Elftoria, a magical elf-sized world!
7. Meet Santa at World of Wedgwood
Dates, times: Selected dates throughout November and December (see website)
Prices: Varies by experience
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Just on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, Santa is stopping at World of Wedgwood this Christmas, with several festive experiences to choose from including Storytime in Santa’s Grotto and Breakfast with Santa.
8. National Forest Adventure Farm: North Pole Adventure
Dates, times: Selected dates 29 November – 24 December 2025
Prices: £41 per child age 2+, £29 adults
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A magical immersive experience in Burton upon Trent. Children receive a personalised ticket from Father Christmas and can explore a Victorian High Street, help the elves in the post office, decorate gingerbread men, and enjoy a private meeting with Santa Claus.
9. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Christmas Train Ride with Churnet Valley Railway
Dates, times: 8 November – 23 December 2025
Prices: From £28.95 per person
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Step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Christmas Train Ride with Churnet Valley Railway and relive the magic of the classic story. Departing from Froghall Station, this hour-long journey brings the movie to life with singing chefs, hot chocolate, cookies, and immersive panto-style entertainment.
Families are whisked to the “North Pole” to meet Santa, who shares festive gifts and spreads Christmas cheer. Guests are encouraged to wear pyjamas for the full experience, and the authentic American-built steam locomotive adds extra magic.
Booking essential for this popular event.
10. Meet Santa at Trentham Gardens
Dates, times: Selected dates 15 November – 24 December 2025
Prices: See Trentham website
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Meet Father Christmas and his elf at Trentham’s North Pole grotto for a festive family experience. Children can explore the igloo and have a photo on Santa’s sleigh before their special visit. Inside the grotto, Father Christmas will chat with little ones about their Christmas wishes, pose for photos, and gift each child a soft toy to take home.
The whole experience is designed to be magical and memorable, creating festive moments families will treasure. With limited availability and high demand, early booking is recommended to secure your place on Santa’s ‘good list’ this Christmas at Trentham Gardens.
Do also check out our guide to visiting Trentham Estate.
11. Santa at the Crepe and Waffle House, Trentham Gardens
Dates, times: TBC
Prices: TBC
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Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Crepe and Waffle House, one of our favourite dog-friendly cafes in Staffordshire, for a cosy festive treat. Watch this space for more information when it’s released!
12. Statfold Santa Express
Dates, times: Selected dates in November and December 2025
Prices: Adult £27.50–£30.00; Child (2–14yrs) £32.50–£35.00; Family £116.00–£126.00
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Climb aboard a beautifully lit steam train at Statfold Barn Railway and experience the wonder of Christmas in motion. Children can post their letters to Santa, meet the big man himself, and choose a gift from his Toy Shop. With festive activities and decorations throughout, it’s a magical day out for all ages. Running on selected dates in November and December, it’s one of the most popular seasonal attractions near Tamworth.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
BEST things to do in Staffordshire
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